Sysco Corp. announced that it has acquired Lincoln Poultry & Egg Co., a leading broadline foodservice distributor based in Lincoln, Nebraska. The acquisition is effective as of July 12, 2010. The management team and employees of Lincoln Poultry will become employees of Sysco.

"Lincoln Poultry's high-quality operation and deep customer relationships represent an excellent growth opportunity for Sysco," said Mike Green, Sysco's executive vice president, foodservice operations. "We look forward to welcoming Lincoln Poultry to Sysco and positioning this investment for further growth."

Lincoln Poultry & Egg Co. started as a fresh poultry and egg distribution business in 1957 and has grown into a diversified broadline foodservice distributor. Lincoln Poultry serves more than 800 customers which are primarily located throughout the central United States. It has annualized revenues of approximately $200 million.

"We're very pleased to join the Sysco family," said Kim Brown, Lincoln Poultry's president. "We look forward to providing the same great service to our customers and showing them an even broader line of quality-assured foodservice products."

Source: Sysco Corp.

JBS plant in Michigan may get $60 million expansion

A proposal totaling more than $60 million calls for expanding the JBS slaughterhouse and meatpacking plant in Gun Plain Township, south of Plainwell, according to state and local officials. A two-phase expansion would expand freezer space and also expand plant space to accommodate more cattle processing, reports Michigan Live LLC.

The plant was acquired as part of the Smithfield Beef Group acquisition in 2008. Prior to that, it was run by Murco Inc. and later Packerland. The expansion would result in 97 new, permanent jobs, said Township Supervisor Mike VanDenBerg.

“We’ve never had something (an expansion) of this size before,” he said. “It is definitely good news — if we get it.”

At a meeting of the Gun Plain Township Board of Trustees this month, board members discussed the possible expansion, VanDenBerg said. The company is seeking tax breaks before it commits to the project, he said. JBS is also looking at a Utah plant as a potential expansion site.

Source: Michigan Live LLC

Farmer John upgrades website

Farmer John has launched its all-new website at www.farmerjohn.com. The new site celebrates the diverse flavors found in Los Angeles' own metropolitan backyard. Farmer John designed the new site to provide visitors with unique online tools and resources. "Farmer John has always been known as a fun, consumer-minded brand and it's appropriate we accurately reflect those traits in all our touch points," said Greg Longstreet, president of Farmer John. "In a town with almost 365 days of perfect grilling weather each year, the best way to experience the real tastes and flavors of Southern California is to cook up some of our delicious meats over hot coals. Our new website helps you find mouth-watering recipes tested by local foodies, as well as public grilling locations from downtown to the beaches."

Paying homage to the brand's Southern California roots, the site features local recipe ideas such as the Olvera Street Adobado Pork Tenderloin. Farmer John partnered with trusted local food bloggers to cook up So-Cal-inspired recipes in home kitchens using Farmer John products. The result is globally-influenced, locally-tested recipes that are easy to make and flavored by regional culinary traditions.

In addition to recipes and meal ideas, Farmer John is introducing the Grill Locator, a one-of-a-kind resource that makes it easy to search local parks, beaches, recreation centers, and campgrounds for the perfect cookout location. This easy-to-use application allows visitors to search by zip code, or amenities such as availability of picnic tables and public grills.

Source: Farmer John

Publix deli debuts kids' meals

Beginning July 29, the Publix Deli will offer five fresh, ready-to-eat kids meals for $3.99. Each meal consists of an entrée, two sides and a drink. The featured selections include:
* Chicken tenders — Publix Deli chicken tenders on a honey wheat roll, mini carrots, kid’s yogurt and fruit drink
* Ham sandwich thins — Publix tavern ham on a wheat sandwich thin, mini carrots, kid’s yogurt and apple juice
* Peanut butter apple wrap — creamy peanut butter with apples in a multigrain wrap, string cheese, mini carrots, kid’s yogurt and fruit drink
* Peanut butter rolls — creamy peanut butter on a honey wheat roll, string cheese, apple sauce, mini carrots and fruit drink
* Turkey rolls — Publix oven roasted turkey breast on a honey wheat roll, apple and grape packet, mini raisins and organic white milk

“Our customers look to us to provide meal solutions, and finding nutritious meals for their children is no exception,” said Maria Brous, Publix director of media and community relations. “Whether as a solution to back-to-school meal planning or for families on the go, our new Publix Deli kids meals are the perfect solution to the question of ‘What’s for lunch or dinner?’”

The deli worked with Publix’s in-house registered dietician to ensure each meal was balanced, wholesome and nutritious. The Publix Deli kids meals are made and packaged fresh daily in the store’s deli department and cannot be customized.

Source: Publix